PCOS is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. That’s essentially 10% of all women. It’s also the most common cause of infertility.
The cause of PCOS is unknown.
They used to think that it was caused by an imbalance of the “sex hormones” which include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. But they are finding that it’s more like the diabetes of the ovaries.
Therefore, this means that it’s more of a metabolic dysfunction causing insulin resistance (a condition where your cells don’t respond to the effects of insulin).
Much like Type II Diabetes, PCOS responds very well to lifestyle changes. The problem is that the test results can be variable based on timing of your monthly cycle, your weight, age, etc.
Symptoms of PCOS
Symptoms can be drastically different among different individuals, but can include the following:
- Infertility
- Irregular periods
- Acne
- Weight fluctuations
- Unwanted hair (face and armpits)
- Thinning hair
- Darkening of the skin in the armpits, back of the neck, or groin
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
Effects of PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can be a serious, life altering condition for many women.
It can lead to heart disease, infertility, diabetes, and even stroke.
Although obesity is common among women with PCOS, not everyone with PCOS is overweight. A thin woman can also have PCOS.
How to Treat PCOS
As mentioned, PCOS is largely a metabolic disorder, meaning that we can reverse it with simple lifestyle changes.
It’s important to remember that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is in large part due to inflammation in our body. We want to promote an anti-inflammatory lifestyle to nip PCOS in the bud.
Because rigorous exercise can increase inflammation, it’s advised to choose Pilates or Yoga based mindful exercises to promote healthy movement.
Alkaline Method Approach to PCOS
1. Eat a low glycemic index diet (fruits can be high in sugar so opt for vegetables instead).
2. Eat organic, especially with animal products as conventionally raised animals tend to have toxic hormone levels which can drive inflammation in your body.
3. Consider our signature Alkaline Detox Protocol to drastically improve your metabolic pathway and improve insulin sensitivity in your cells.
4. Maintain a healthy weight. If overweight, weight loss will help improve insulin sensitivity.
5. Eat foods high in fiber (vegetables).
6. Eat foods high in phytonutrients (eat a rainbow of colors for a wide variety of phytonutrients).
7. Exercise intermittent fasting (up to 15 hours).
8. Follow an elimination diet to reduce toxic burden and decrease inflammation.
9. Take inositol to improve insulin sensitivity.
10. Take α-lipoic acid up to 400 mg/day.
11. Add cinnamon to your cooking.
12. Take Vitamin D3. Get your levels tested and take between 2000-10,000 IU/day, depending on your levels (55-65 ng/mL).
13. Take time for self care.
14. Make an effort to get 8 hours of quality sleep.
15. Practice meditation.
16. Do a digital detox.
17. Control stress.
18. Make sure to have a daily bowel movement. If you’re not having one, take extra fiber up to 30 gm/daily along with a probiotic.
PCOS Can Be Reversed
Overall, I’m seeing PCOS more commonly in younger women.
With infertility being the biggest issue, along with physical deformities like acne, facial hair, hair thinning, and weight gain, it can be detrimental for women if left untreated.
At the root, it’s an inflammatory-metabolic disorder that can be treated with lifestyle changes.
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